Mannix lauds Vixens, McKinnis after GF victory

MELBOURNE Vixens veteran Emily Mannix has lauded the group and outgoing coach Simone McKinnis after the team’s thrilling one-point Grand Final victory over the West Coast Fever.

Mannix was inactive this season after giving birth to her daughter Mabel in January, but was on the sidelines all year cheering her teammates across the line, including on Saturday night.

“My heart can’t handle it – it’s actually much worse on the sidelines,” she said.

“There’s nothing I can really do to help or contribute except for cheer my heart out.

“I was sweating – it was insane! But it was just electric in there and it was incredible to be a part of and so, so happy for the girls and the team and the wider support crew of the Vixens to get that win.”

The Geelong-based defender, whose local club is Drysdale, admitted belief grew in the group after the Vixens’ two-point semi-final win against the Adelaide Thunderbirds.

“[They were] a bit of a bogey team for us and we haven’t had a very good track record against them over the last few years,” she said.

“You could really see a shift in the belief after that game. It was huge for the morale of the team and being able to keep that focus forward and believing that it was possible.”

The incredible premiership victory was even sweeter given coach Simone McKinnis had announced 2025 would be her final season, after 13 years at the helm.

Mannix expressed her appreciation for McKinnis, who has been her only coach in her time at the Vixens.

“What she’s been able to achieve at the club for the past 13 years – three Premierships and more Grand Final appearances – it’s pretty special,” she said.

“She’s such an amazing coach, has developed so many young players and so many Victorian players as well. I think it’s a real testament to her and her belief in the juniors that come up through the pathway of Netball Victoria.

“[In] Suncorp Super Netball, there’s a lot of imports and that’s the way the game is and it’s great and it’s entertaining. But she chose to invest in so many, not just Australian players but Victorian players, and I’ll be forever grateful to her for giving me that opportunity all those years ago and helping me become the player and the person that I am today.”

She said she was sure there were many athletes who felt the same about McKinnis.

“There’s so many players that are even playing in different teams now, that she was the one who gave them the shot and they’ve been able to continue their netball journey somewhere else.

“She’s an incredible person, incredible coach and it’s sort of unbelievable how she was able to finish, really.”